Michael Chandler teases red, white and blue butt whooping’ for Conor McGregor at historic UFC White House show.
UFC veteran Michael Chandler is turning up the heat early in 2026 by teasing a highly anticipated fight against former two-division champion Conor McGregor and he did it with a bold and patriotic promise live on national television.
During the New Year’s Eve broadcast on CBS and Paramount+, Chandler hinted that the long-rumored matchup could finally take place at the historic UFC event planned for the White House this summer, and added he expects to deliver a red, white and blue butt whooping to McGregor if it happens.
Chandler’s comments came during an appearance on CBS’s New Year’s Eve Live where he was asked about his plans for the new year. Without confirming a finalized fight contract, the lightweight contender didn’t shy away from promoting the idea of facing McGregor on the South Lawn of the White House, the venue is already capturing global attention as part of the UFC’s effort to stage a landmark combat sports event in summer 2026.
“I will say it’s going to be a big year,” Chandler said during the broadcast. “No. 1, like you said, the UFC is now on Paramount+ for the next multitude of years and also there’s a rumor going around — we can’t confirm or deny — but it does sound like I might be handing Conor McGregor a good old fashioned, passionate red, white and blue butt whooping on the south lawn of the White House sometime this summer. That’s the plan. Let’s go.”
Chandler and McGregor have been linked as potential opponents since The Ultimate Fighter Season 31, where they served as opposing coaches and nearly fought on multiple occasions before injuries, including McGregor’s long recovery from a broken leg suffered in 2021, derailed earlier plans.
McGregor, who has not competed since 2021, has reportedly gone back to his training and rejoined the UFC’s anti-doping program, signaling a serious intent to return to MMA competition in 2026.
Meanwhile, Chandler is looking to get his career back on track following recent setbacks, including a knockout loss to Charles Oliveira in 2024 and a TKO defeat to Paddy Pimblett in 2025.
As 2026 unfolds, the potential Chandler vs. McGregor showdown complete with a vivid promise of a red, white and blue butt whooping remains one of MMA’s most talked-about speculative matchups. Whether it becomes reality or remains in the realm of hype, there’s no denying the intrigue and spectacle it would bring to the sport’s biggest summer event.
